Manchester United’s FA Cup campaign is over after a loss on penalties to Fulham at Old Trafford.
Manchester United started well and on the front foot as Fulham failed to get a foothold but the last pass/shot remained missing, ultimately coming back to haunt them as the Londoners scored at the cusp of half-time off a corner to gain a shock lead.
That looked like it would remain the theme in the second half as well but it was the captain again as Bruno Fernandes scored in the 70th minute to set up a nervy finish.
The finish ended up being extended more than nervy as extra-time beckoned with both teams deadlocked at 1-1.
Chido Obi was the main character of extra-time as he made the most of his minutes but couldn’t apply the final touch, the game going to penalties.
Victor Lindelof missed the crucial penalty as Onana failed to save any, with Zirkzee’s miss immediately after confirming final defeat.
Here’s how the players rated-
Andre Onana – 6
Managed to look iffy in bursts but improved with time and made some crucial saves late on.
Leny Yoro – 6.5
Goog forays forward from the left and handled himself well defensively.
Harry Maguire – 6
Could’ve been more accurate with his passing but defended assertively.
Matthijs de Ligt – 8
Absolute defensive titan who ran on fumes by the end but didn’t let up in commitment to the cause. A true leadership display. Didn’t deserve to lose.
Diogo Dalot – 6.5
Took up dangerous positions but the final ball always evaded him until his assist for Fernandes.
Noussair Mazraoui – 6.5
Could’ve probably done more to put off Bassey for Fulham’s opener but fine otherwise.
Manuel Ugarte – 7
Tenacious and forward-thinking with the ball. Created some opportunities through sheer desire.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
Tested Leno early from the edge of the box and scored United’s leveller with a brilliant strike.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6.5
Showed good hold-up play with endless stamina as he kept going when others fell. Cruel missed penalty.
Christian Eriksen – 7
Floated between the lines to great effect and knit the play together. Could’ve had an assist.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5
Started well by winning his duels and giving Andersen a hard time but faded as Fulham grew in confidence.
Substitutes
Victor Lindelof – 3
Didn’t look majorly convincing and needed De Ligt to bail him out repeatedly. Missed his penalty.
Alejandro Garnacho – 7
Full of running and desire. Played a part in creating United’s equaliser.
Casemiro – 6.5
Cleared away balls with abandon and started threatening forward as legs gave out around him.
Chido Obi – 8
Received an inch and took a mile by making the most of his opportunities. He’s ready for this level.
Ayden Heaven – 6.5
Came on after Maguire picked up a knock and didn’t look out of place.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/ONKq7iZ